Differences Between Running and Court Shoes
Growing up, you hardly care what’s on your feet when you’re playing sports. However, as we all age, we realize the importance of wearing the correct shoe for our activities. Learning the differences between running and court shoes proves why you shouldn’t hit volleys in the same shoes you run miles in.
Keep It Light To Keep It Right
If there’s one thing every shoe has in common, it’s that they should feel like a feather on your feet. For runners, jogging along in shoes that feel like bricks is tiresome and counterintuitive. That’s why avid runners prefer shoes that almost feel like socks.
Court shoes are also better if they are lightweight, but they still must be able to support the foot. Many people may wear running shoes as their everyday shoes because they are comfortable and light. You don’t see many folks wear court shoes as their go-to footwear for a trip to the store. Court shoes aren’t always as accommodating to the feet as running shoes.
Lateral Movement
To play any court game to the best of your capabilities, you must have shoes that allow for graceful lateral movement.
Running shoe designers make cushions for their shoes to suit one primary type of movement. There’s only one way to go when on the run: forward. The cushioning in running shoes doesn’t consider the side-to-side movement a must.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of shifting during a court game, which is sports like pickleball require specific shoes and gear. When you are returning a serve and changing directions constantly in a court game, you need to be able to move freely to play well. A court shoe allows your foot to remain close to the court, permitting you to plant, dart, and dive for those sideline shots.
Sole Man
The biggest difference between the two options is their sole. Running soles wear down quicker than court soles, considering a runner should get a new shoe after they run over 500 miles. If you continue using the same running shoe for thousands of miles, you will lose that spring and cushion you once had.
Court shoes are more durable than running shoes, giving you extra time with them. Frequent sliding and digging on the court can wear them down, but if you have traction and a feel for your feet, you should be fine.
If you ever pick up running or schedule time on the court, you need a specific shoe. After all, the differences between running and court shoes are significant. The right footwear can affect your experience in the sport, and more importantly, it can help keep you safe.